Diversity and abundance of ants from tehsil Salooni of District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh: a research perspective to study ants as bioindicators

This study evaluated the diversity and abundance of ants in Salooni Tehsil, Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh. Thirty species from five subfamilies were reported using different collection modules, including pitfall traps, baits, soil core, leaf litter, manual, and winkler method. Myrmicinae was the most diversified subfamily, with seven genera, while the genus Camponotus of the subfamily Formicinae was found to be most abundant with eight species. The study determined that the region is home to two invasive species (Monomorium pharaonsis and Trichomyrmex destructor). Due to which it is concluded that the area is prone to many anthropogenic activities, and in the near future, these invasive species can replace many native species of the region. This study also compiled functional groups of ants, which include generalised Myrmicinae, opportunists, subordinate Camponotinii, hot climate specialists, cold climate specialists, tropical climate specialists, cryptic species, and specialist predators. The richness of an environment is represented by the diversity of insects. Because ants maintain the stability of ecosystems, it is important to protect their habitats in order to increase biodiversity in the years to come. The data compiled here represents a turning point in the attempt to understand the geographic variety and dispersion of ant species and also the role of ants as bioindicators.